THE DUNOON Ultra returns to its original Loch Eck route this Saturday, August 22, as the event celebrates its tenth iteration and a decade of runners, volunteers and friendships forged on the trails of Cowal.
First held in 2016 and originally known as the ‘Wee Eck Ultra’, the event has welcomed thousands of runners to Cowal, from experienced ultra runners to those taking on the distance for the first time. Over the years it has become known for its welcoming atmosphere, enthusiastic marshals and the encouragement runners receive throughout the course.
Race day begins at Benmore House, with runners setting off through the iconic Golden Gates before heading onto the trails around Loch Eck and, ultimately,
towards the finish at Dunoon Pier. For Race Director Lisa Marshall, the tenth event is particularly significant. Lisa ran the inaugural Ultra in 2016 before moving to the other side of the course, initially marshalling and later becoming race director, being involved in every edition of the event.
She said: “We continue to learn and adapt but our core remains the same: to give runners, supporters and marshals a great experience, with everyone pulling together.”
Three runners will also reach their own milestone this year, having taken part in every Dunoon Ultra since its inception.
Among them is Calum Ross, whose connection with Dunoon goes back much further than the race. Born at Struan Lodge before moving away as a young child, he returned regularly for school holidays and still has family in the town. When the first Dunoon Ultra was announced in 2016, he signed up immediately. More than 20 ultras later, his affection for this particular event has not diminished.
He said: “I’ve done over 20 Ultras now but Dunoon is my favourite.
“The marshals are top class and I’ve come to know many of them now who I would class as friends.”
His favourite memory is the 2022 event, when more than 20 of his fellow Zeros took part just before his 60th birthday, resulting in plenty of cheers around the course and a post-race celebration in Dunoon.
Fellow ever-present runner Kathryn Williamson has a very different story. Dunoon was her first ultra, having previously started running through Couch to 5K before being persuaded by two friends to take on the event.
For Kathryn, the enthusiasm of the organisers and marshals helped make that first experience special, and Dunoon has remained a fixture in her running calendar ever since.
She added: “When runners ask me about events I have completed, I always tell them about Dunoon and encourage them to take part. It’s a friendly event in a unique location.”
The journey back to Wee Eck has not been straightforward.
In 2023, race weekend began with the sort of wet weather that is hardly unusual in Dunoon. However, on the Saturday morning, conditions around Loch Eck changed dramatically. Exceptionally heavy rainfall led to severe flooding and landslides across the area, forcing organisers to make the difficult decision to cancel the event before the race could begin. The wider weather emergency caused significant disruption throughout Argyll and Bute and left parts of the traditional route inaccessible for years.
For those gathered ready to race, it became one of the most memorable mornings in the event’s history, with Daniel one of those: “whilst all of us runners understood that it was the right decision to make, the race director was genuinely devastated with many a tear being shed. This further highlights to me how passionate the team are about their event and their strong desire to make it a success for all who take part.”
Rather than pause the event, organisers created alternative routes for the 2024 and 2025 races. Those editions introduced runners to new parts of Cowal, including the climb affectionately, or perhaps notoriously, known as the ‘Hill of Death’, which quickly earned its place in Dunoon Ultra folklore.
This year, however, marks a return to where it all began.
The return has only been possible thanks to close co-operation with Forestry and Land Scotland and the many forestry contractors working throughout the area. Their continued communication with organisers, efforts on the ground and willingness to support the event have been invaluable in bringing the Ultra back to its original route.
While runners may be the most visible part of race day, the Dunoon Ultra has always depended on the volunteers who make it happen.
Jean Bryson has volunteered at every Dunoon Ultra since the inaugural event. Long before the Ultra began, Jean could already be found supporting Dunoon Hill Runners at races around Scotland, often waiting with her cowbells to encourage those towards the back of the field.
She commented: “Although it’s great seeing the front runners zooming by, I love supporting the back of the pack people most.”
The support of Dunoon Hill Runners has been part of the event throughout its history.
Members support, volunteer at and participate in their local ultra, bringing invaluable experience and enthusiasm to the event and helping welcome visiting runners to the trails they call home.
That same ethos runs throughout the organising team. Morven Walsh ran the inaugural event in 2016 before becoming involved behind the scenes. For her, every runner matters, whether they are racing at the front or simply hoping to reach their first ultra finish line.
Morven commented: “Every runner is important; every runner is celebrated along the route and their commitment to training and juggling life is acknowledged.”
That spirit has helped make Dunoon a first ultra for many runners over the past decade, with friendly faces at checkpoints, encouragement from marshals and support from fellow competitors forming as much a part of the experience as the miles themselves.
The impact of the Dunoon Ultra also extends beyond race day. Over the years,
thousands of pounds have been raised for charities supporting people locally and further afield, including Pink Ladies Day, Alzheimer Scotland and pancreatic cancer charities. This year’s chosen charity is Crossroads Cowal and Bute Carers and Young Carers. Many runners also take on the Ultra with their own fundraising goals, supporting causes particularly close to their hearts.
The Dunoon Ultra has also benefited throughout its history from the support of Dunoon Presents, helping the event showcase Dunoon and the wider Cowal area to runners, families and visitors. Colin Moulson, Dunoon Presents BID manager, believes the event has ‘shown the Cowal area to be a perfect destination for top outdoor events, and this all helps to build longer-term local participation in the sport of trail running’.
Organisers have also thanked the many local businesses that have supported the
Dunoon Ultra over the years, whether through sponsorship, donations, supplies or simply getting behind the event. Their continued generosity, alongside the support of volunteers and the wider community, has played an important part in helping the Ultra grow and reach its tenth anniversary.
With race day now just around the corner, organisers hope the local community will once again be part of the occasion. Locals are encouraged to cheer runners on at Glenbranter, Benmore Gardens or along the West Bay promenade as they make their way towards the finish at Dunoon Pier. The prize-giving is expected at around 3.30pm and everyone is welcome to come along, cheer on the runners and relay teams, and help celebrate ten years of the Dunoon Ultra.
